Eternal Security, 14of15

~ The Absolute Certainty of the Believer’s Hope! ~

The doctrine of “eternal security” (sometimes described as “once saved—always saved”) is widely accepted with Christianity.  There are however some who deny this important teaching of Scripture—by pulling verses out of their context to make them say something other than intended.  In this series we look at what the Word of God has to say about the subject.  “Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

Overview  ~  There are two critical Christian terms to be understood in relation to his post.  First, the fact that God is sovereign.  Biblical sovereignty refers to a supreme ruler with supreme authority and the power to accomplish.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God, a member of the Triune Godhead, and was literally God on earth for a period of history.  Because God is sovereign what God has decided to accomplish will happen!

Second, the Christian’s blessed hope.  “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).  In our day we think of hope as wishful thinking or a desire.  Biblical hope is related to a confident expectation—the firm assurance of something in the future.  Our blessed hope is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ when He returns for His church—all true believers in Him—that is our blessed hope.  We will be with Him forever! 

Key Passages  ~  “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.  He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.  But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe.  All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.  For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.  This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day’” (John 6:35-40). 

The Apostle Paul said, “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:4-9). 

The Process  ~  “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:28-30). 

Notice the progression in this verse.  The key to this progression is His omniscience (all-knowing the past, present, and future) which includes His foreknowledge regarding who would accept His Son’s salvation invitation.  Those individuals will be glorified at a future date. 

Summary  ~  There is absolutely no doubt—not even a shadow of doubt—regarding the future fulfillment of the Christian’s hope.  In our modern language the word hope sounds rather iffy.  In the language of Scripture the blessed hope is a guaranteed absolute reality. 

Closing Thought  ~  As a child I grew up singing a great hymn which contained the refrain: “Our times are in Thy hands, and Father we would wish them there.”  Aren’t you glad that the sovereign of the universe is in control and one day you will be glorified to live with Him forever! 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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